This was supposed to be for last week's Sew-Time Wednesday. I ended up rushing my dog to the vet because he started having seizures (?!) and then I was on a roadtrip around eastern Alaska. I wanted to share my latest, super quick sewing project: Rosie the Riveter Denim Trousers (Folkwear #240 - pattern).

All the things that come in this pattern package.

Let me state my bias by saying that this is one of my favorite patterns. I got these pants cut out and sewn during an hour and a half movie. I had to take my time since I was using a heavier fabric. I used a medium-weight cotton/poly/2 % spandex blend blue denim this time around. The trousers pattern only consists of 5 pattern pieces. Front, Back, pocket front, pocket back, and waistband. I would suggest this for any level of sewing expertise. It's basic, but you will need to know how to install a zipper and it helps if you have, at least, a bit of knowledge of your sewing machine.

Today, I did not do my hair or make-up or anything like that. I spent the morning having coffee with my mom, so I just didn't get things done. I want to show you how my trousers came out. I like the fact that these have a tiny bit of stretch to them - enough to make them comfortable. I also love how these fit.

I can easily squat down in these pants! For me that's a big deal. They don't gap at the back, I don't have to adjust them...I just squat. Also, it's nice to have big pockets in the front that can hold my cellphone without issue.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

I'm almost off for a long weekend road trip around the eastern part of Alaska! (Trip: Thursday - Sunday)

The trip is actually for a big story that I'm writing about the eastern part of the state and is for the APN Quarterly, a paranormal-weird science/history-true crime newspaper that I edit and publish. HERE IS THE LINK.

There are a lot of strange things that go on in this low-populated area: UFOs, bigfoot, strange military stuff, HAARP, and even rumors of a sphinx (like an Egyptian sphinx). I'll also be after native legends and stories from hunters/fisherman.

If you happen to live in Alaska, I'm the person with "Paranormal Investigator" on the side of my vehicle. I'll be making a stop in Delta Junction, Gakona, Slana, Devil's Mountain Lodge/Nabesna, and Tok this weekend. If you want to meet me, or share something with me, contact me ASAP! Leave a comment or send me an email.

Monday, June 20, 2016

I'm going to bitch about words, grammar, and sentence structure today. Poor grammar is one thing that really bothers me to no end. These are a few things that I have heard in the last few days or have just stayed with me that bother me.

I'm sure you have your own pet peeves. Do you have grammar-related pet peeves?

1. Don't call me "Honey". I really hate it when a salesperson or a supplier (for the company I work for) calls me "Honey" or "Sweetheart" or whatever little nickname they can pick out. It's usually said in some patronizing way.

2. "Boughten" is not a word. Our bookkeeper is always using the word "boughten". I boughten [something ridiculous] the other day.

3. We's have to take the garbage to the dumps. UGH. Really?! How did you pass 2nd grade? The only plural in the sentence was the word "we". This was also said by the bookkeeper. I asked her how many dumps she was planning on going to and she looked at me as if I was stupid. She had one bag of garbage and was only going to one dump site.

4. Bicept, the new muscle. When the bookkeeper used this new word, she really emphasized that ending "T" while pointing to her upper arm. Apparently her bicep has the additional letter of "t". This was worthy of a good head shake. Almost, Bookkeeper. Almost.

5. Squoze. Thanks Mom! This one I had to search for through texts since I immediately texted my sister about this new word. Apparently it means "to have squeezed". Isn't "squeezed" the proper word? You would think so.

Friday, June 17, 2016

I have found more interesting stuff. There are lots of summer weddings and summer parties going on, so perhaps this will help you find that special something. Also, I personally look for Christmas presents all-year round. Some of these would make excellent gifts!

The description from DB is: "Overripe, juicy blackberries, sugary sweet cola, topped with a vanilla foam." That sounds delicious! I looked through the company's website and found that there are some pin-up labeled whipped soap, perfume, bubbling scrub, lotion, hair care products, and a small line of men's products.

Meister 180" Hand Wraps, $4.49
As you know, from previous posts, I've started boxing. Locally I've only been able to find 108" hand wraps, so I ventured online to find some 180" hand wraps. These help stabilize your wrists and protect your hands while boxing. I was lucky enough to come across Meister brand handwraps in leopard, zebra, skulls, camo (yuck), USA, and a variety of solid colors! This is an easy way to add a little rockabilly flair to your workout - if you do anything that requires hand wraps.

Billie style 1950s Shoes by Rocket Originals, $119.85
I know that some folks don't care much for flats, but these shoes look durable and would pair well with a variety of trousers. I would totally wear these as a work shoe, while doing daily chores or running to the grocery store. I just have to save up a little money - always the case.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

I have been increasingly busy with boxing, writing, work, etc. I won't lie, I binge-watched the latest season of "American Horror Story" this weekend. I just didn't get around to writing a Sew-Time Wednesday post. Sorry.

I've actually been working on making some light foam armor for an upcoming Labyrinth Ball in Seattle. At some point, I will display some photos.

I also need to sew two more men's shirts. I've had the fabric for almost two weeks and I just need to get to it. I have some great MCM prints for two vintage shirt patterns. I'm super excited to have a shirt (soon) that I can offer that will be very different from a standard camp or bowling shirt. Men need some variety too!

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Welcome back to Sew-Time Wednesday! I have a ton of projects going on and I wanted to put out the word on 3 patterns that I would watch out for. Let's cover those patterns first, since that's the easy part.

I made the skirt from this pattern and it run narrow in the hips. I don't wear it much because it ends up bunching up all weird. If you have narrow hips, then it will be totally fine. It has a cute scallop at the belly button, which you can kind of see on the woman wearing the pants (same on the skirt). NARROW HIPS.

This pattern is going to require you to double check your measurements. I did not do this and went with my usual size. It's one size too small which totally sucks because I used a blue and pink flamingo fabric. Check your measurements before cutting and don't worry if you have to go up one size - especially where the bust is concerned.

I made these trousers in my usual size and WOW - check your sizing ladies! I thought "Hey, it would be nice to have front closing trousers for my '40s stuff. I can pull them on, but I cannot zip them up. You might have to go one size up for these.

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Projects Galore!

Okay, so I have all kinds of stuff going on. I've posted before about my new Etsy venture in retro men's wear. I have more shirts in the works. I even have a vintage 1950s pattern for a cabana set. Yes...I will be making men's retro swimwear. I am curious about sizes. Right now I'm just making Mediums (38-40" chest).

I am a big Labyrinth geek. Yes, the 1986 David Bowie film 'Labyrinth'. I actually have it on as I write this blog post. Anyway, in Seattle on July 9th at the Experience Music Project, there is a Labyrinth Ball. I have my tickets. Now, I just need to make some sort of fucking sweet ass costume for the ball. I have a rough design that is going to have slight Greek elements, warrior elements (some armor pieces), owl influences, and goblin ornamentation. I know, it sounds a bit complicated, but I hope it turns out awesome. I don't want anyone to take my ideas (because my brain tells me that everyone is going to swipe my ideas).

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Every so often, I try to make some kind of short term goal that seems achievable. It's not a pat on the back or anything like that. It's simply to try to get my life in order.

Why is this so hard to figure out?!

Over the next year, I want to save up as much as I can. It shouldn't be too hard. It's just me and my dog, so expenses are generally low. I have a job, I have my Etsy stuff, and I'm working on some books - so those will be my sources of income.

I've been asking myself what I should do once I have a pile of savings. Do I try to get a house and flip it? Do I stay here or do I move somewhere else? Where do I move to? Maybe I should open a business. If I was to open a business, what kind of business should I open?

Figuring out your life is hard.

Maybe I should ask my friends what they have planned. I'm already not overly social and I know that if I was to move I probably wouldn't socialize outside of work....just me being me.

The look you get when life tries to fuck you over.

I really don't know what to do with myself. Do I have skills? My friends and family will tell you "yes". I don't think employers feel that way. I don't think I want to work for anyone except myself.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

This is a modern camp shirt in a mid-century modern light blue wave print. Size medium. As my demo (my first round with this particular pattern), it's a little cheaper than what other shirts are going to run.

I have another shirt that is almost ready to go. It's psychobilly western, but I have to go pick up some more studs and get buttons sewn on.

I have been getting my vintage men's pattern in via mail, so expect some totally awesome men's repro shirts. The one pattern I am super eager to try out is the vintage men's cabana set pattern. That's right! Reproduction men's swimwear.

As always, I am looking for feedback. Sales go towards more fabric for more shirts, a men's mannequin torso so you don't get crappy photos like the one above, and other accouterments for the projects (studs, elastic, buttons, etc)

While this blog is focused around a gothabilly/50s perspective of life, I should let you all know that I like to go hiking and fishing, I like to have mini-adventures (real ones are far and few), I like to make food, I like art and movies, I like to workout, and so much more.